Good questions
Pelvic Health FAQs
Pelvic physiotherapy can feel unfamiliar at first. Here are clear answers to the questions I hear most often.
The basics
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that looks specifically at the pelvis, low back and abdomen and conditions that affect these areas. Pelvic physiotherapy is for both men and women, at any stage of life. In some cases, children may also benefit from physiotherapy, however you need to find a physiotherapist that specializes in this area.
Common concerns include incontinence, bowel and bladder dysfunction, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, recurrent non-bacterial prostatitis, post-prostatectomy recovery and pelvic pain.
Are pelvic physiotherapists also physiotherapists?
Yes. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are Registered Physiotherapists who have completed additional education in pelvic health. In Ontario, physiotherapists must be registered and remain in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapists complete additional pelvic health training. In Ontario, physiotherapists must have the appropriate education, competence and College authorization before performing an internal pelvic floor examination.
Your appointment
What is an internal pelvic floor muscle examination?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are rostered to perform internal pelvic floor muscle examinations vaginally and/or rectally. This examination is different from a Pap test or an examination from an OBGYN, because Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are assessing the pelvic floor muscles and looking for the strength and tone of these muscles.
An internal examination is only done with your consent. I will explain what I am recommending and why before we begin, and you can decline or stop at any time. There are still many useful things we can assess and treat without an internal examination.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and bring your insurance details if you plan to submit the visit. Most importantly, come with your questions. Your first appointment begins with hearing your story.
Can I come to my appointment if I have my period?
Yes, you can still come to your pelvic physio appointment even if you have your period. If you are not comfortable having an internal assessment or treatment done, that is ok. There are many things that we can do without doing internal work, such as exercises, education and external treatment.
Booking & coverage
Can pelvic physiotherapy be covered under my benefits?
Yes. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are Registered Physiotherapists. If your plan includes physiotherapy coverage, you can usually submit your visit under that benefit. Check your plan for its specific requirements and limits.
When are appointments available?
I see clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Encompass Health and Wellness in Kitchener. The online booking system shows my current availability.
Where do appointments happen?
I see clients at Encompass Health and Wellness, 130 Weber St W Suite 202 in downtown Kitchener. I welcome clients from across Waterloo Region, including Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Stratford.
Ready when you are
Come as you are — questions and all
Your first appointment starts with hearing your story, at your pace. Nothing is TMI, and nothing happens without your consent.